In recent years, large hail has become one of the most prominent and worrying meteorological phenomena. from severe storms. Recent records in Spain and other countries show that ice stones are falling increasingly larger and more frequently., causing damage to homes, vehicles, crops and roads, and even putting people's safety at risk.
The increase in these episodes has led the scientific community to investigate the causes that favor the formation of such voluminous hail. and analyze the consequences its impact leaves in various regions. Weather alerts are repeated more frequently, especially in spring and summer, when the atmosphere becomes more unstable and convective storms are more likely.
Why hail grows: meteorological factors and the role of climate change
The development of large hail is linked to the presence of clouds with large vertical development, known as supercell storms.These clouds, driven by powerful updrafts, allow ice crystals to remain suspended for longer periods of time and grow when covered by layers of supercooled water. According to experts, the final size of the stones depends on the time they remain inside the cloud, the thermal conditions, and the strength of the wind at altitude.
In recent years, climate change has intensified this process.Rising surface and ocean temperatures favor the presence of warm, humid air, which is key to the formation of intense storms. This generates greater atmospheric instability, with more pronounced thermal contrasts between the surface and upper layers, resulting in stronger convective storms and the formation of larger diameter hail.
Likewise, wind variability and shear (changes in direction or intensity with height) play an essential role, allowing hail to continue rising and accumulating layers before finally falling to the ground, reaching significant sizes.
Recent giant hail records: from Europe to Asia
Hail size records have multiplied in recent times.In Europe, in 2023, hailstones reaching diameters of 16 to 19 centimeters were collected in northern Italy, unprecedented figures. In Spain, in the Catalan region of Baix Empordà, in 2022, hailstones of up to 12 centimeters were reported, especially in La Bisbal d'Empordà (Girona).
This increase is not unique to Europe. In China, recent episodes have left stones the size of an egg and even a fist, affecting both urban and rural areas, damaging roofs, vehicles, and crops, and causing injuries. Meteorological authorities have had to issue alerts and strengthen emergency protocols in response to these extreme events.
In the United States, the central plains and regions of high atmospheric convection experience episodes of hail larger than a baseball, especially in spring and summer, increasing agricultural and industrial damage.
Spain: recent episodes and social and economic impact
In the spring and early summer of 2025, Spain experienced several days of severe storms and large hail.More than 23.000 lightning strikes were recorded in a single afternoon, and heavy hail fell from Toledo to San Sebastián, with stones measuring four centimeters in the Community of Madrid, as well as damage in Guadalajara and Toledo. The consequences included destroyed crops, dented vehicles, broken windows, and damage to roofs and shutters.
In Aragon and the Cinco Villas region, towns like Sancho Abarca suffered severe hailstorms, with stones that, according to residents, "shattered roofs, cars, and windows." A fire caused by lightning was even reported during the storm. Authorities issued orange warnings for significant risk until late into the night.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued alerts in the Valencian Community due to forecasts of storms with large hail and strong wind gusts. The rainfall, which reached up to 40 liters per square meter in one hour, affected both inland and coastal areas, disrupting daily and agricultural activities.
How hail is measured and what challenges its study presents
Measuring hail size represents one of the main challenges in meteorological analysis.Although specific devices such as hail gauges exist, most records come from direct observations and photographs taken by individuals with objects of known size, such as coins or golf balls. Official methods group hail from a few millimeters to stones comparable to baseballs or larger.
A common problem is the rapid melting of hail, which makes it difficult to obtain accurate data and consistent statistics at the international and national levels. As a result, much data is incomplete or underestimated, despite the increasing frequency and magnitude of these extreme events.
Consequences and preventive measures against giant hail
The impact of large hail goes beyond mere physical destruction.It can ruin crops, especially fruit and vegetables, damage vehicles, roofs, blinds, and glass, and even affect electrical and telecommunications infrastructure. The economic cost of these losses increases, affecting insurance and local and regional economies.
At the social level, the population is alarmed by the warnings of severe storms. Therefore, early warning systems, weather monitoring systems, and preventive measures against extreme convective phenomena have been strengthened. When large hail is forecast, it is best to seek shelter and avoid exposure outdoors.
Recent episodes of giant hail in Spain, Europe and Asia show that The phenomenon of large hail has become an increasingly frequent and dangerous reality.The intensification of storms, increasing atmospheric instability, and climate change are contributing to their increase. Monitoring, prevention, and constant analysis will be key to adapting and reducing the impact of a phenomenon that is increasingly becoming a part of modern climatology.